Story by Liz Bailey

The Romney (W.Va.) church took a step of faith this summer. The church invited Pastor Michael Carder, a speaker for Amazing Facts, to lead a three-week evangelistic series. At first, some wondered if it was even possible for a small congregation to host such an event with so many other programs and commitments already taking place across the district. Yet, the members of Romney believed that if God was opening the door, no obstacle was too great.

The Elyria church concluded its Pentecost 2025 evangelistic series earlier this year, adding 161 new individuals to its membership—surpassing the congregation’s previous membership and worship attendance before the campaign.

Before the series began, Elyria had a membership of 100. Andrew Sutton, treasurer of the Ohio Conference, emphasized that in God’s eyes every soul is precious and that even a small number of baptisms makes an evangelistic effort worthwhile.

Editorial by Carl Rodriguez

Many gift-giving traditions occur during Christmas in North America. Each family that celebrates the event has their own historical and cultural basis for the exchange of presents.

Even the Magi in the time of Christ’s birth gave gifts to show appreciation for the bountiful blessings God had bestowed on them. Matthew 2:11 records this event: “On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh” (NIV).

Editorial by Jerry Lutz

With all the evangelistic meetings and prophecy seminars that have been going on in our conference this year, such as our twin outreach initiatives, Pentecost 2025 and Reach Baltimore 2025, there are likely some unfamiliar faces and new members in your church. For this, we praise God and welcome them with open arms into the fellowship of believers. How wonderful it is to see how the Lord is blessing Chesapeake churches with hundreds of baptisms and many more who are preparing to join God’s great advent movement.

While we rejoice with the saved and celebrate every new soul who enters the kingdom, we who are more mature in our walk with Jesus and better grounded in the faith must be mindful of the special care and needs of our newborn brothers and sisters in Christ.

Story by Cinthia Portanova, Children’s Ministries Director and Youth Ministries Administrative Assistant

The 2025 New Jersey Conference (NJC) Pathfinder Camporee recently lived up to its theme, “Faith on Fire,” as more than 1,800 Pathfinders, staff and families gathered for a weekend of faith, fun and fellowship.

Attendees participated in hands-on activities, such as log pulling, backpacking, furniture building, orienteering, drilling and marching, and earning honors. Each day featured high-energy worship with glowing giant foam sticks and powerful speakers.